CHICAGO, Ill. – The Illinois Institute of Technology men's soccer team has released its 2016 schedule. This year's slate features 10 regular-season home matches, introduces a new "Chicago Cup Series" with Moody Bible Institute, and pits the Scarlet Hawks against three 2015 NCAA Division III Tournament qualifiers.
After two August home exhibitions against College of Lake County (August 21) and Benedictine University (August 27), the Scarlet Hawks open the regular season schedule on the road. Tech will travel to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to oppose Marian University on Thursday, September 1 for a 7:00 p.m. match. Marian, who finished 11-6-1 in 2015, is one of many strong opponents the Hawks will see on the schedule.
"This year's schedule features some top-level programs from around the Midwest and nation, including multiple 2015 NCAA Tournament Participants," stated Head Coach Marc Colwell. "We are confident that the competition will help us reach our full potential."
Two 2015 NCAA Tournament qualifiers follow Marian on the schedule, as Tech hosts Texas-Dallas (September 4, 1:00 p.m.) in the season's home-opener. A trip to Wisconsin follows, as the Scarlet Hawks face defending Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament Champion Milwaukee School of Engineering (September 9) and Carroll (September 11) on a two-match road trip.
Upon returning to Chicago, the Scarlet Hawks host Ripon on September 14 before September 17th's Homecoming match against Defiance (3:30 p.m.). Tech will play two road matches (Concordia-Chicago on September 20, Manchester on September 25) and two home matches (Elmhurst on September 23, Andrews on September 30) to close out the month.
After an October 4 home match against Maranatha Baptist, the Scarlet Hawks will travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin to oppose the defending Midwest Conference Regular Season Champion, St. Norbert College, on October 8.
Four consecutive home matches follow, as Tech will host Grace Bible (October 11), North Central (October 15), Wentworth Military (October 16), and Moody Bible (October 20) to complete the home schedule. October 16 will serve as Senior Day, while the October 20 match marks the first of a two-match "Chicago Cup Series". The series is a home-and-home with NCCAA power Moody Bible.
Two road matches close out the 2016 schedule. The Scarlet Hawks will play at 2015 NCAA Tournament qualifier and defending MWC Tournament Champion Lake Forest College on October 25 before finishing the Chicago Cup Series at Moody Bible on October 29.
This year's United States Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament is set to run from November 2 through November 5. The Top 10 USCAA men's soccer programs will qualify.
"As a young and emerging team in NCAA Division III, we gained invaluable experience in 2015 while adding the largest recruiting class in school history this spring," said Colwell. "The team is very focused and motivated to establish a consistent winning tradition."
Live audio, video, and statistics are set to be made available for all home matches in 2016. Live audio for all contests will be powered by Illinois Media School.
A full view of the 2016 schedule can be seen here.